BMW is one of the earliest names in the automotive industry giving us great names and a signature look that has survived over a century. You might look at the BMW models of today and wonder when the dual grill is going to finally be removed, but considering BMW has used a twin grill look for the past century, it stands to reason that the next century won’t be much different. Instead of trying to rid ourselves of this look let’s admire BMW for the ultimate driving experience it’s offered for many generations with a look back over the past century of this German automaker.

BMW 328 – This was where it started, with production beginning eight years after BMW began its business they launched this car prior to the second World War this car was built in secret. The secret was out when it raced at Nurburgring and won the Eifelrennen race with Hans Stuck at the wheel. At the time this car was able to lead a field of long time racers and be the one in the winner’s circle and went on to win at the Alpine rally, the RAC Tourist Trophy and the Mille Miglia.

BMW 501- Rolling off the line in 1951 after the plant had to be rebuilt due to war damage the 501 came in as a stylish and dramatic car that was the first German car with a V8 engine under the hood. This car was called the Barockengel which was a description of the elegance this car brought to the production line as it was able to produce 140 horsepower and reach speeds over 100 mph this car made a statement that BMW was back after the war.

BMW 700 –This was a BMW that didn’t carry in the kidney grill but was a bit different. Using an engine derived from a motorcycle this car had a flat twin engine and was built around a monocoque body to be a small and affordable car that helped to save BMW from having to merge with Daimler. This car was a great competitor at hill climbs and felt nimble around Nurburgring to be a great car to drive.

BMW New Class – This was a car that had to save the day once again. As another affordable model the New Class offered a shark-nosed grill and the handling abilities that seem to have been a BMW trade secret at the time. This was the first car to carry the famed kink in the pillar which wasn’t thought to be so iconic at the time but became a staple of BMW for the future.

BMW 2002 Turbo – This was the first turbo ever built as it predated Saab and Porsche and it was a car that showed off that turbo. This was a derivative of the New Class but with more sport and handling for you to enjoy. As the first turbo it was an unrefined KKK unit which pushed the boost and then shut if off just as fast, making it a car that you needed to learn in order to harness the power.

BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile” – This car was a racing champion with six European Touring Car Championships, two class wins at Le Mans and a win at the Touring Car Grand Prix which was held at Nurburgring. This car came to the US and won races as well and it was one of the most decorated cars in BMW history. There are some street-legal versions on the road, but they are extremely rare and certainly demand a huge price.

BMW M1 Procar – This was supposed to be a great collaboration between BMW and Lamborghini, but Lamborghini ran out of money for the project, leaving BMW with the designs and not much else. Thankfully BMW finished the project and brought us a Giugiaro design with BMW dynamics which was able to create its own racing series. The BMW M1 Procar Championship was won by Niki Lada the first year and after a long time with no series the racing was resurrected in 2008 and he won it again.

BMW M635CSi – This car used the same engine as the M1 under a long low hood that looked amazing. In the US this car was simply known as the M6 and it was the second fastest car from BMW that was built for the road. This car could reach 158 mph and was only bested by the M1.